Ramban/Jammu, May 8 - Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed on Thursday morning due to landslides and rockfalls during heavy rains in Ramban district. Officials informed that the flash flood also affected Ramban market, but there is no report of any loss of life.
According to traffic department officials, vehicular traffic on the highway was stopped at 7:30 am due to landslides and rockfalls at several places between Siri and Nachalana, due to which hundreds of vehicles are stranded on both sides. This highway is the only road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, which remains open in all seasons.
Officials said that there have been large-scale landslides in Chamba-Siri near Ramban city, while flash floods have also been reported near a hotel in Ramban Bazaar, due to which several vehicles have been damaged. They said that incessant rains are hampering the work of resuming travel.
A spokesperson for the traffic department said, “Passengers are advised not to use National Highway No. 44 until the weather improves and the road is cleared.” The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rain, thundershowers and strong winds at some places in Jammu and Kashmir from May 8 to 11. After this, light rain is likely at some places on May 12.
A spokesperson for the Meteorological Department said, “Incidents of landslides may occur due to heavy rain at some sensitive places.” They have also predicted an increase in daytime temperatures mainly in Jammu division from May 13.